CHAMPAIGN — When he decided to transfer away from Seton Hall last month, guard Aaron Cosby said he was looking for familiarity with the coaching staff and a style of play that best suited his game. He found both of those on his visit to Illinois this weekend, giving John Groce and his staff a verbal commitment late Friday night.

Today, the former Illini will take the first step toward realizing that goal while participating in front of representatives from all 30 NBA teams — and alongside 63 other college seniors — at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.

A week after Brandon Miller left the Illinois program to become an assistant coach at Butler, John Groce has turned to Toledo assistant coach Ryan Pedon to replace Miller as Illinois’ special assistant to the head coach.